Defining and Optimizing Value in Total Joint Arthroplasty From the Patient,Payer, and Provider Perspectives

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to define value in bundled total joint arthroplasty (TJA) from the differing perspectives of the patient, payer/employer, and hospital/provider.MethodsDemographic, psychosocial, clinical, financial, and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) data from 2017 to 2018 elective TJA cases at a multihospital academic health system were queried. Value was defined as improvement in PROs (preoperatively to 1 year postoperatively) for patients, improvement in PROs per $1000 of bundle cost for payers, and the normalized sum of improvement in PROs and hospital bundle margin for providers. Bivariate analysis was used to compare high value vs low value (>50th percentile vs <50th percentile). Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors.ResultsA total of 280 patients had PRO data, of which 71 had Medicare claims data. Diabetes (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; P = .02) predicted low value for patients; female gender (OR, 0.25), hypertension (OR, 0.17), pulmonary disease (OR, 0.12), and skilled nursing facility discharge (OR, 0.17) for payers (P ≤ .03 for all); and pulmonary disease (OR, 0.16) and skilled nursing facility discharge (OR, 0.19) for providers (P ≤ .04 for all).ConclusionThis is the first article to define value in TJA under a bundle payment model from multiple perspectives, providing a foundation for future studies analyzing value-based TJA.     

Relationships Between Preoperative Mental Health and Improvements in Patient-Reported Outcomes After Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundPoor preoperative mental health has been associated with worse outcomes after total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). To fully understand these relationships, we assessed post-THA and post-TKA improvements in patient-reported mental and joint health by preoperative mental health groups.MethodsElective cases (367 THA, 462 TKA) were subgrouped by low (<25th percentile), middle (25th-74th), and high (≥75th) preoperative mental health, using Veterans RAND 12-Item Health Survey Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores. In each subgroup, we assessed the relationship between preoperative MCS and 1-year postoperative change in mental and joint health. Pairwise comparisons and multivariable regression models were applied for THA and TKA separately.ResultsMedian postoperative mental health change was +14.0 points for the low-MCS THA group, +11.1 low-TKA, +2.0 middle-THA and TKA, −4.0 high-THA, and −4.9 high-TKA (between-group differences P < .001). All MCS groups had improved median joint health scores, without significant between-group differences. Preoperative mental health was negatively associated with mental health improvements in all groups (B = −0.94 - −0.68, P < .001-P = .01) but with improvements in joint health only in the low-THA group (B = −0.74, P = .02). Improvements in mental and joint health were positively associated for low and middle (B = 0.61-0.87, P < .001), but not for high-MCS groups, with this relationship differing for the low versus high group.ConclusionPatients who have low preoperative mental health experienced greater postoperative mental health improvement and similar joint health improvement compared to patients who have high preoperative mental health. Findings can guide subgroup-targeted surgical decision-making and preoperative counseling.     

The Impact of Mental Illness on Postoperative Adverse Outcomes After Outpatient Joint Surgery

BackgroundThe effect of pre-existing mental illness on outpatient surgical outcomes is not well characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between pre-existing mental illness diagnosis and postoperative complications after outpatient total knee (TKA) and total hip arthroplasty (THA) and 2) compare with inpatient total joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsThe Mariner Claims Database was used to capture patients undergoing outpatient TJA from 2010 to 2017. Patients were grouped into three categories: those with an existing history of anxiety and/or depression, those with severe mental illness, and those without history of mental illness. Additional subgroup analysis compared those with severe mental illness undergoing outpatient vs inpatient TJA. Outcomes were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression (P < .05).ResultsPatients undergoing outpatient TJA with prior history of anxiety and/or depression or severe mental illness had an increased risk of emergency department (ED) visits (TKA, P < .001; THA, P = .014) within 90 days compared with those without history of mental illness. Severe mental illness was also associated with increased risk of medical complications at 90 days (TKA, P < .001; THA, P = .006). When compared with those undergoing inpatient surgery, patients undergoing outpatient TKA with severe mental illness were at increased risk of periprosthetic infection (P = .005) and ED visit (P = .003) within 90 days of surgery.ConclusionAnxiety/depression and severe mental illness are associated with higher rates of ED visits after outpatient TJA. Patients with severe mental illness also experienced more adverse events, whereas those with anxiety and/or depression had similar rates compared with control. A higher rate of adverse outcomes was seen after TKA in patients with severe mental illness when surgery was performed in the outpatient setting vs those that had surgery as an inpatient.Level of EvidenceIII.     

Depression Treatment Is Not Associated With Improved Patient-Reported Outcomes Following Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to investigate if there were differences in disease-specific, overall health, and activity outcomes after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) between treated and untreated depressed patients.MethodsPatients who underwent primary, elective, unilateral TJA were divided into 3 groups based on self-reported history of depression and treatment at the time of surgery: 1) patients without depression, 2) patients with treated depression, and 3) patients with untreated depression. The primary outcomes were the differences in SF-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS, WOMAC, and UCLA activity rating scale up to 12 months postoperatively. A secondary outcome was the effect of depression treatment on patients’ perception of experiencing limitation in their activities due to depression. Univariate and mixed-effects model analyses were performed to control for potential confounding factors.ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 189/749 (25%). Compared to patients with treated depression, untreated patients had lower baseline SF-12 MCS (P < .001) and were more likely to have Medicaid insurance (P < .001). After controlling for potential confounding factors, there were no differences in either the absolute scores or net changes in any of the assessed outcomes at 12 months postoperatively among depressed patients regardless of treatment (P > .05). In addition, depression treatment did not affect patients’ perception of activity limitation (P = .412).ConclusionAlthough it is clear that depression adversely impacts patient outcomes in primary TJA, treatment does not appear to mitigate this negative effect. Depression treatment does not necessarily imply resolution of depressive symptoms. Future studies should explore alternative interventions to reduce the health-related consequences of depression to optimize the outcomes of TJA.     

Resilience and Depression Influence Clinical Outcomes Following Primary Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundResilience and depression may impact clinical outcomes following primary total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This study aimed to quantify baseline resilience and depression prevalence in patients undergoing primary TJA and evaluate their influence on patient-reported clinical outcomes.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 98 patients undergoing primary TJA. Exclusion criteria included patients under 18 years of age, undergoing surgery for fracture, or who underwent additional surgery during the study period. Patients completed the Brief Resilience Scale to measure resilience, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to measure depression, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System-10 to measure global physical and mental health preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively.ResultsPreoperatively, 22% and 15% of patients demonstrated major and mild depression, respectively. High resilience was identified in 34% of patients, normal resilience in 55%, and low resilience in 11%. Preoperative depression correlated with lower resilience, global physical health, and global mental health scores preoperatively as well as at 1 year after surgery (P < .001). Higher levels of preoperative resilience correlated with higher global physical and mental health scores preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively (P < .001).ConclusionDepression symptoms are common among patients undergoing primary TJA and are associated with worse patient-reported outcomes. Patients with higher levels of resilience have higher global physical and mental health scores before and after TJA. Psychological traits and depression impact clinical outcomes following TJA.     

High-Quality Skilled Nursing Facilities Are Associated With Decreased Episode-of-Care Costs Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundWith the increasing popularity of alternative payment models following total hip (THA) and knee arthroplasty (TKA), efforts have focused on reducing post-acute care (PAC) costs, particularly patients discharged to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The purpose of this study is to determine if preferentially discharging patients to high-quality SNFs can reduce bundled payment costs for primary THA and TKA.MethodsAt our institution, a quality improvement initiative for SNFs was implemented at the start of 2017, preferentially discharging patients to internally credentialed facilities, designated by several quality measures. Claims data from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services were queried to identify patients discharged to SNF following primary total joint arthroplasty. We compared costs and outcomes between patients discharged to credentialed SNF sites and those discharged to other sites.ResultsBetween 2015 and 2018, of a consecutive series of 8778 primary THA and TKA patients, 1284 (14.6%) were discharged to an SNF. Following initiation of the program, 498 patients were discharged to an SNF, 301 (60.4%) of which were sent to a credentialed facility. Patients at credentialed facilities had significantly lower SNF costs ($11,184 vs $8198, P < .0001), PAC costs ($18,952 vs $15,148, P < .0001), and episode-of-care costs ($34,557 vs $30,831, P < .0001), with no difference in readmissions (10% vs 12%, P = .33) or complications (8% vs 6%, P = .15). Controlling for confounding variables, being discharged to a credentialed facility decreased SNF costs by $1961 (P = .0020) and PAC costs by $3126 (P = .0031) per patient.ConclusionQuality improvement efforts through partnership with selective SNFs can significantly decrease PAC costs for patients undergoing primary THA and TKA.     

Preoperative Veterans Rand-12 Mental Composite Score of < 40 Leads to Increased Healthcare Utilization and Diminished Improvement After Primary Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundAdverse outcomes after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have been associated with preoperative psychological disorders and poor mental health. We aimed to investigate and quantify the association between preoperative mental health and 1) postoperative 90-day health care utilization; and 2) 1-year patient-reported outcomes after primary TKA.MethodsRetrospective review of prospectively collected data of patients who underwent primary elective TKA (n = 7,476) was performed. Preoperative mental health was evaluated using Veterans Rand-12 Mental Composite Scores (VR-12 MCS). Outcomes included prolonged length of stay (>2-days), nonhome discharge, 90-day readmissions, emergency department visits, and reoperation. Improvement in Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS) achievement were evaluated at 1-year. Multivariable regression was implemented to explore associations between preoperative VR-12 MCS and outcomes of interest.ResultsA total of 5,402 (72.3%) completed 1-year follow-up. Lower preoperative VR-12 MCS was associated with higher odds of prolonged length of stay (MCS 20-39: odds ratio (OR): 1.46;P < .001), and nonhome discharge disposition (MCS 20-39: OR: 1.92;P < .001), but not 90-day readmission or reoperation (MCS20-39; P = .12 and P = .64). At 1-year, patients with a lower MCS were less likely to attain a substantial clinical benefit in KOOS-pain (MCS 0-19; OR: 0.25; P < .001) and less likely to achieve PASS (MCS20-39; OR: 0.74; P = .002). Patients with an MCS >60 were more likely to be discharged home (OR: 1.42; P = .008), achieve substantial clinical benefit in their KOOS-JR (OR: 1.16; P = .027),-Pain (OR: 1.220; P = .007) and PASS at 1-year (OR: 1.28; P = .008).ConclusionsLower VR-12 MCS is associated with increased postoperative health care utilization and worse patient-reported outcome measures at 1-year post-TKA. These findings suggest that a VR-12 MCS ≤40 could be used to designate increased risk, guide the preoperative discussion and potential interventions.     

Minority Race and Ethnicity is Associated With Higher Complication Rates After Revision Surgery for Failed Total Hip and Knee Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundRacial and ethnic disparities in access to hip and knee total joint arthroplasty (TJA) and postoperative outcomes have wide-reaching implications for patients and the health care system. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of ethnicity on clinical outcomes and complications following revision hip and knee TJA.MethodsA single-institution, retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 4424 revision hip and knee TJA patients was evaluated. Student’s t-test and chi-squared analysis were used to identify significant differences in patient demographics and clinical outcomes between Caucasians and various ethnic minorities, including African Americans, Hispanics, and Asians.ResultsWhen compared with white patients, African American patients demonstrated a significantly higher BMI (P = .04), ASA score (P = .04), length of hospital stay (P = .06), and postoperative infection rates (P = .04). Hispanics demonstrated a significantly higher BMI (P = .04), when compared with white patients, alongside a significantly higher risk for postoperative infection (P < .01). African American demonstrated a significantly higher ASA score (P = .02; P = .03), when compared with Hispanics and Asians, alongside a significantly increased length of stay (P = .01) and higher risk for postoperative infection (P = .02).ConclusionThe study findings demonstrate an underutilization of revision TJA by ethnic minority groups, suggesting that disparities in access to orthopedic surgery increase from primary to revision surgery despite higher failure rates of minority ethnic groups reported after primary TJA surgery. In addition, inferior postoperative outcomes were associated with African Americans and Hispanics, when compared to white patients, with African Americans demonstrating the highest risk of postoperative complications.     

Preoperative Mental Health Influences Patient-Reported Outcome Measures and Satisfaction After Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundA higher prevalence of mental health conditions has been reported in patients undergoing revision total knee arthroplasty (rTKA). This study investigated the effect of preoperative mental health on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and satisfaction after rTKA.MethodsA total of 245 patients who underwent rTKA in 2004-2018 were identified from our institutional joint registry. The most common indications were aseptic loosening (n = 111), infection (n = 70), and instability (n = 35). 36-item Short-Form health survey (SF-36) mental component summary (MCS) was used to stratify the cohort into: Low-MCS (SF-36 MCS <50; n = 112) and control (SF-36 MCS ≥50; n = 133) groups. Knee Society score, Oxford knee score, SF-36 physical score, and a satisfaction questionnaire were used to compare the low-MCS and control at 6 months and 2 years.ResultsAll PROMs were poorer in the low-MCS group at 6 months and 2 years. However, both groups demonstrated a comparable improvement in each PROM and a similar proportion attained the minimal clinically important difference. Fewer patients in the low-MCS group were satisfied at 2 years (72.2% vs 84.5%, P = .045). Lower preoperative SF-36 MCS was independently associated with increased odds of dissatisfaction (OR 1.037, 95% CI 1.004-1.070, P = .027). Although the change in SF-36 MCS was greater in the low-MCS group, the final value remained lower at 2 years.ConclusionWhile patients with poor mental health had inferior PROMs preoperatively and postoperatively, a similar percentage experienced a clinically meaningful improvement at 2 years. Perioperative optimization of psychological factors should still be emphasized as these patients were at a higher risk of dissatisfaction after rTKA.     

Oncology Patients Are High Cost Outliers in Total Joint Replacement Bundled Payment Systems

BackgroundIn 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services began its first mandatory bundled payment program, the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement (CJR) model, which covers a 90-day episode of care. This study determined whether oncology patients enrolled in the CJR bundle incur higher hospital costs than patients with osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsA retrospective review of all patients enrolled in the CJR bundled payments system from April 1, 2016 to June 31, 2018 at a single academic medical center was conducted. To determine whether tumor patients had higher total episode costs, this group was compared to patients diagnosed with OA using a 2-tailed t-test. To adjust for moderators of total hospital costs, we used generalized linear regression with a log-link, including multiple variables abstracted from chart review.ResultsThree hundred fourteen patients met inclusion criteria (12 primary or metastatic tumors, 302 OA). Fifty-eight percent of tumor patients were over the target price vs 16% of OA patients. The mean tumor patient had $40,862 for total internal hospital costs compared to $16,356 in the OA group (P < .001). Length of stay was greater in the tumor group (6.75 vs 2.0 days, P < .001). A greater percentage of tumor patients were discharged to a skilled nursing facility (67% vs 27%, P = .006) with significantly higher skilled nursing facility episode costs ($18,852 vs $7731, P = .04). With adjustment for fracture status, tumor patients were 5.36 times more likely to exceed the CJR target price than OA patients (risk ratio 5.36, confidence interval 3.44-8.35, P < .001) and 50 times more likely to be outliers over the regional threshold than OA patients (risk ratio 50.33, confidence interval 16.33-155.19, P < .001).ConclusionOncology patients enrolled in the CJR bundled payment model incur significantly higher costs and have higher cost variability than patients with OA. We recommend that oncology patients be excluded from the CJR bundle.     

Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy for Elective Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundPersistent wound drainage after total joint arthroplasty (TJA) increases the risk of surgical site infections (SSIs). Closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (ciNPWT) decreases infections in traumatic wounds, but evidence for its use after elective TJA is limited. The purpose of this meta-analysis of level I studies is to determine the effect of ciNPWT on risk of SSI and wound complications following TJA.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials comparing ciNPWT vs standard dressings after total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Studies exclusively involving THA for femoral neck fractures were excluded. Risk of SSI and noninfectious wound complications (blisters, seroma, hematoma, persistent drainage, dehiscence, and wound edge necrosis) following TJA were analyzed.ResultsSSI risk was lower with ciNPWT compared to standard dressings (3.4% vs 7%; relative risk [RR] 0.48, P = .007), specifically in revision THA and TKA (4.1% vs 10.5%; RR 0.41, P = .03). ciNPWT increased the noninfectious complication risk after primary TKA (RR 4.71, P < .0001), especially causing wound blistering (RR 12.66, P < .0001). ciNPWT decreased hospital length of stay by 0.73 days (P = .04) and reoperation rate (RR 0.28, P = .01).ConclusionciNPWT decreases SSI risk compared to standard dressings after revision TJA, but not primary TJA. ciNPWT is associated with >12-fold increased risk of wound blistering after primary TKA. ciNPWT plays a role in revision TJA management, but additional randomized controlled trials with uniform wound assessment methods must be performed to sufficiently power findings and draw conclusions on the use of ciNPWT after primary TJA.     

Relationship Between Mental Health Disorders and Readmissions Following Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundThere is limited evidence exploring the relationship between mental health disorders and the readmissions following total joint arthroplasty (TJA). Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationship between mental health disorders and the risk of readmission following TJA.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar from their inception till April 19, 2022. Studies exploring the association of mental health disorders and readmission risk following TJA were selected. The outcomes were divided into 30-day readmission, 90-day readmission, and readmission after 90 days. We also performed subgroup analyses based on the type of arthroplasty: total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A total of 12 studies were selected, of which 11 were included in quantitative analysis. A total of 1,345,893 patients were evaluated, of which 73,953 patients suffered from mental health disorders.ResultsThe risk of 30-day readmission (odds ratio = 1.43, 95% CI 1.14-1.80, P = .002, I² = 87%) and 90-day readmission (OR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.22-1.49, P < .00001, I² = 89%) was significantly associated with mental health disorders. On subgroup analyses, 30-day readmission was significantly associated with THA (OR = 1.29, 95% CI 1.04-1.60, P = .02), but not with TKA (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 0.51-4.06, P = .50). Similarly, 90-day readmission was significantly associated with both THA (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.14-1.29, P < .00001) and TKA (OR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.17-1.51, P < .0001).ConclusionMental health disorders are significantly associated with increased 30-day and 90-day readmissions. Increasing awareness regarding mental health disorders and readmission in arthroplasty will help in efficient preoperative risk stratification and better postoperative management in these patients.     

Total Knee Arthroplasty Has A Positive Effect on Patients With Low Mental Health Scores

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine the impact of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) on mental health.MethodsA total of 205 patients who underwent primary TKA with baseline and 1-year postoperative Short Form-12 Mental Component Score (MCS) were included in this retrospective analysis. Eighty-five (41%) patients had a preoperative MCS less than 50 points, while 120 (59%) patients had a preoperative MCS over 50 points. Two groups were assigned to the patients based on their preoperative MCS: low MCS <50 and high MCS >50.ResultsA preoperative MCS less than 50 points was predictive of greater improvement in MCS at 1 year after TKA (P < .001). Patients with low MCS improved by a mean of 10.6 points from 39.1 ± 8.6 points preoperatively to mean of 49.7 ± 10.7 points 1 year after TKA (P < .001). Patients with a high MCS decreased by a mean of 3.5 points from 60.01 ± 6.0 points preoperatively to mean of 56.6 ± 6.8 points 1 year after TKA (P < .001). This remained higher than the postoperative MCS of the patients with a low MCS, 49.7 ± 10.7 (P < .001). The patients with a high MCS had greater improvement in the Short Form-12-Physical domain (14.8 points) than the patients with a low MCS (9.2 points, P < .001).ConclusionPatients with lower baseline mental health had greater improvement in postoperative mental health following TKA than patients with higher baseline mental health. Low preoperative MCS was associated with less improvement in patient-reported outcome measures. Patients with lower baseline mental health scores before TKA benefit mentally and physically from the procedure.     

Ten-Year Results of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Patients With Psychological Distress

BackgroundAlthough the influence of psychological distress on the outcomes of total knee arthroplasty has been described extensively, its effect on unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is poorly defined. Furthermore, most studies in arthroplasty literature had short follow-ups of ≤1 year. We investigated the influence of psychological distress on long-term patient-reported outcomes and analyzed the change in mental health after UKA in a cohort with minimum 10 years of follow-up.MethodsProspectively collected data of 269 patients undergoing UKA in 2004-2007 were reviewed. Patients were stratified into those with psychological distress (36-item Short-Form health survey [SF-36] Mental Component Summary [MCS] <50, n = 111) and those without (SF-36 MCS ≥50, n = 158). Clinical outcomes were obtained preoperatively, at 2 years, and 10 years. Multiple regression was used to control for age, gender, body mass index, Charlson Comorbidity Index, American Society of Anesthesiologists class, and baseline scores. The rate of expectation fulfillment and satisfaction was compared.ResultsPsychologically distressed patients had poorer Knee Society Knee Score, Function Score, Oxford Knee Score, and SF-36 Physical Component Summary preoperatively, at 2 years, and 10 years. However, an equal proportion in each group attained the minimal clinically important difference for each score. Distressed patients had a comparable rate of satisfaction (91% vs 95%, P = .136) but lower fulfillment of expectations (89% vs 95%, P = .048). The percentage of distressed patients declined from 41% to 35% at follow-up. The mean SF-36 MCS improved by 6.9 points.ConclusionAlthough psychologically distressed patients had relatively greater pain and poorer function preoperatively and up to 10 years after UKA, a similar proportion of them experienced a clinically meaningful improvement in patient-reported outcomes.     

Are Patient-Reported Drug Allergies Associated With Prosthetic Joint Infections and Functional Outcomes Following Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty?

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to determine if the number and types of patient-reported drug allergies are associated with prosthetic joint infection (PJI) and functional outcomes following total joint arthroplasty (TJA).MethodsThis is a retrospective review of all patients who underwent a primary, elective total hip (THA) or knee arthroplasty (TKA) over a 10-year period at a single academic institution. Demographic, clinical information, and number and type of patient-reported drug allergy was collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were performed to identify risk factors for PJI and risk of PJI based on number of allergies. Univariate analysis was also performed to identify if the number of patient-reported allergies affected functional outcome scores.ResultsOf 31,109 patients analyzed, there were 941 (3%) revisions for infection (491 knees and 450 hips). At least one allergy was reported by 16,435 (52.8%) patients, with a mean of 1.2 ± 1.9. Those who underwent revision for infection had a significantly higher number of reported allergies (1.68 ± 1.9 vs 1.23 ± 1.9, P < .0005, 95% confidence interval ?0.58 to 0.33). On univariate regression the number of allergies independently predicted revision TJA for infection (P < .0001) as did age, gender, body mass index, and smoking status. On multivariate regression for each additional patient-reported allergy, risk of PJI increased by 1.11 times (95% confidence interval 1.07-1.14, P < .0001). Number of patient-reported allergies did not predict 3-month or 1-year functional outcome scores.ConclusionPatients with a higher number of reported allergies may be at increased risk of PJI following TJA.Level of EvidencePrognostic Level II.     

Tranexamic Acid Does Not Reduce the Risk of Transfusion in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundPatients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receive transfusions more often than patients with osteoarthritis following lower extremity total joint arthroplasty (TJA), but mitigating factors are not described. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is widely used to reduce blood loss in patients undergoing TJA, but its effect on transfusion rates in patients with RA has not been studied.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed data from a prospectively collected cohort of patients with RA undergoing TJA. Disease activity measured by Clinical Disease Activity Index, patient-reported outcome measures, and serologies was obtained. Baseline characteristics were summarized and compared. Transfusion requirements and TXA usage were obtained from chart review. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with transfusion in RA patients undergoing TJA.ResultsThe cohort included 252 patients, mostly women with longstanding RA and end-stage arthritis requiring TJA. In multivariate analysis, 1 g/dL decrease in baseline hemoglobin (odds ratio [OR] = 0.394, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.232, 0.669], P = .001), 1-minute increase in surgical duration (OR = 1.022, 95% CI [1.008, 1.037], P = .003), and 1-point increase in Clinical Disease Activity Index (OR = 1.079, 95% CI [1.001, 1.162]) were associated with increased risk of transfusion. TXA use was not associated with decreased risk of postoperative transfusion.ConclusionsPreoperative health optimization should include assessment and treatment of anemia in RA patients before TJA, as preoperative hemoglobin level is the main risk factor for postoperative transfusion. Increased disease activity and increased surgical time were independent risk factors for postoperative transfusion but are less modifiable. While TXA did not decrease transfusion risk in this population, a prospective trial is needed to confirm this.Level of EvidenceIV.     

Right Heart Echocardiography Parameters and Other Predictors to Evaluate Mechanical Cardiac Support Necessity During Lung Transplantation

BackgroundLung transplantation (LuTx) is a challenge when right heart function fails. Mechanical circulatory support (MCS) is then necessary.MethodsWe aimed to investigate whether preoperative transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can predict MCS use and help to exclude the sickest patients. Between 2011 and 2018, 52 patients at our institution received LuTx and qualified for this study: 35 bilateral, 16 single, 1 lobar [1] and 1 retransplantation procedure. Of these, 22 were operated using MCS and 30 without MCS. The patients were aged between 18 and 65 years, and 23 were women. The indications were lung fibrosis for 18 patients, chronic obstructive lung disease for 16, cystic fibrosis for 15, primary pulmonary hypertension for 2 and bronchiectasis for 1. TTE was performed up to 30 days before treatment and 1 to 7 days after.ResultsPatients undergoing MCS versus patients not undergoing MCS: preoperative right ventricular systolic pressure 56.5 (30) vs 37.8 (11.5) mm Hg (P = .03); tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient 48.7 (27) vs 30.2 (10.8) mm Hg (P = .015); tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion 17.8 (4.3) vs 19.9 (2.8) mm Hg (P = .04); pulmonary artery diameter 27.5 (5.2) vs 23.9 (4.1) mm (P = .004); age 41.9 (14.1) vs 54.3 (11.8) years (P = .001). Patients who were Dead versus patients who were alive pulmonary valve acceleration time of 82.8 (24.1) vs 104.9 (27.2) ms (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.959, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.923–0.996 per ms, P = .02) and pulmonary artery diameter of 28.9 (5.8) vs 24.4 (4.1) mm HR = 1.225, 95% CI = 1.028-1.460 per 1 mm, P = .016 were predictors of death.ConclusionsPreoperative TTE parameters: right ventricular systolic pressure, tricuspid regurgitation pressure gradient, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and pulmonary artery diameter predicted MCS use during LuTx. Certain values of valve acceleration time and pulmonary artery diameter could help discern LuTx qualification.     

Positive Preoperative Colonization With Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Is Associated With Inferior Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty

BackgroundThe impact of preoperative nasal colonization with methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on total joint arthroplasty (TJA) outcomes is not well understood. This study aimed to evaluate complications following TJA based on patients’ preoperative staphylococcal colonization status.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed all patients undergoing primary TJA between 2011 and 2022 who completed a preoperative nasal culture swab for staphylococcal colonization. Patients were 1:1:1 propensity matched using baseline characteristics, and stratified into 3 groups based on their colonization status: MRSA positive (MRSA+), methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus positive (MSSA+), and MSSA/MRSA negative (MSSA/MRSA−). All MRSA+ and MSSA + underwent decolonization with 5% povidone iodine, with the addition of intravenous vancomycin for MRSA + patients. Surgical outcomes were compared between groups. Of the 33,854 patients evaluated, 711 were included in final matched analysis (237 per group).ResultsThe MRSA + TJA patients had longer hospital lengths of stay (P = .008), were less likely to discharge home (P = .003), and had higher 30-day (P = .030) and 90-day (P = .033) readmission rates compared to MSSA+ and MSSA/MRSA-patients, though 90-day major and minor complications were comparable across groups. MRSA + patients had higher rates of all-cause (P = .020), aseptic (P = .025) and septic revisions (P = .049) compared to the other cohorts. These findings held true for both total knee and total hip arthroplasty patients when analyzed separately.ConclusionDespite targeted perioperative decolonization, MRSA + patients undergoing TJA have longer lengths of stay, higher readmission rates, and higher septic and aseptic revision rates. Surgeons should consider patients’ preoperative MRSA colonization status when counseling on the risks of TJA.